Ranking The Halloween Films: My Controversial List

How Controversial is My Ranking of the Halloween Films?

Alright, horror fanatics and slasher film enthusiasts, let's dive into a topic that's sure to get some of you riled up: the ranking of the Halloween franchise! As a massive fan of the series, I've spent countless hours revisiting Haddonfield, reliving the scares, and, of course, forming some pretty strong opinions. And today, I'm putting it all on the line by sharing my definitive ranking of the Halloween films. Now, before you grab your pitchforks and torches, hear me out! This isn't just some random list thrown together; it's a carefully considered (and, yes, subjective) evaluation based on factors like suspense, scares, plot, character development, and overall enjoyment. Prepare yourselves, because this is where things could get interesting, maybe even a little heated!

First of all, let's address the elephant in the room: ranking any film franchise, especially one as beloved and, let's be honest, uneven as Halloween, is a risky business. The series has a long and winding history, filled with iconic moments, questionable choices, and everything in between. From the groundbreaking original that redefined the slasher genre to the various sequels, reboots, and re-imaginings, the Halloween franchise has given us plenty to love, hate, and debate. So, how did I come up with this ranking? Well, I rewatched all the films (yes, even the ones I wasn't particularly fond of!), took notes, and considered each film's strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, I asked myself, which movies truly captured the essence of what makes Halloween so special? Which ones kept me on the edge of my seat? And which ones, well, fell a little flat?

So, with all that said, are you ready to see where your favorites (and least favorites) landed? Let's get this show on the road! I'm prepared for the backlash, the passionate arguments, and the inevitable “How could you possibly put that film so high/low?” comments. Remember, this is all in good fun. We're all here because we love Halloween in some form or another. So, let's celebrate the franchise, debate our opinions, and maybe even discover a new appreciation for some of the films we might have overlooked. And remember, this is just my perspective! Your rankings might be completely different, and that's the beauty of it. Let's get started!

The Definitive Ranking of the Halloween Films

Alright, folks, let's kick things off with the ranking. Remember, this is all in good fun, so let's try to keep the pitchforks and torches at bay. Here's my take on the Halloween films, from the best to the, shall we say, less stellar.

1. Halloween (1978)

No surprises here, right? John Carpenter's original Halloween is a masterpiece of suspense, atmosphere, and pure, unadulterated horror. It's a landmark film that not only launched the slasher genre into the mainstream but also set a standard that few films have managed to surpass. From the iconic opening sequence, seen from Michael Myers's point of view, to the chilling score and the relentless pursuit of Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), everything about this film is perfect. The simplicity of the story – a masked killer terrorizing a group of teenagers on Halloween night – is what makes it so effective. Carpenter masterfully builds tension, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Michael Myers is the embodiment of pure evil, a silent force of nature whose motives are never fully explained, making him all the more terrifying. The film's impact on the horror genre is undeniable, influencing countless filmmakers and inspiring generations of horror fans. If you haven't seen it (which I highly doubt!), do yourself a favor and watch it immediately. It's a must-see for any horror enthusiast and, in my opinion, the best Halloween film by a long shot.

The genius of Halloween lies in its simplicity and effective use of cinematic techniques. Carpenter's use of wide shots, slow pans, and POV shots creates a palpable sense of unease, making the audience feel like they're right there in Haddonfield, stalked by Michael Myers. The iconic score, composed by Carpenter himself, is a masterclass in creating tension and building suspense. The film also benefits from a strong cast, with Jamie Lee Curtis delivering a breakout performance as Laurie Strode, the ultimate final girl. The film's lasting legacy is a testament to its quality. It's not just a great horror film; it's a great film, period. The way it uses light and shadows, the way it builds suspense, the way it creates a sense of dread – it's all incredibly well done. It's a perfect example of how less can be more. The film doesn't rely on excessive gore or jump scares to frighten the audience; instead, it focuses on creating a sense of atmosphere and dread that permeates every scene. The film also explores themes of good versus evil, innocence versus corruption, and the inherent evil that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most idyllic communities. The film remains a timeless classic, and it's a testament to the power of effective storytelling and skillful filmmaking.

2. Halloween (2018)

This one might raise some eyebrows, but hear me out! David Gordon Green's Halloween (2018), which serves as a direct sequel to the original, is a fantastic return to form for the franchise. It effectively ignores the confusing continuity of the sequels and focuses on the story of Laurie Strode, who has spent the last four decades preparing for Michael Myers's inevitable return. This film gets so much right. It respects the original, embraces the scares, and offers a satisfying resolution. The film's strengths lie in its character development, particularly the portrayal of Laurie Strode as a survivor hardened by years of trauma. Jamie Lee Curtis delivers a phenomenal performance, making Laurie a complex and relatable character. The film also introduces a new generation of characters, including Laurie's daughter and granddaughter, who become involved in the fight against Michael. The film's action sequences are well-executed, and the film's ending is genuinely satisfying. It's a worthy successor to the original.

What makes Halloween (2018) so effective is its ability to balance nostalgia with a fresh perspective. It pays homage to the original film while still bringing something new to the table. The film's writers understood what made the original work, and they managed to recapture that magic while also modernizing the story for a new audience. The film's exploration of the long-term effects of trauma on Laurie Strode is compelling. It's a story about survival, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The film also features some great performances, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, and Andi Matichak all delivering strong performances. The film's suspense is palpable, the scares are effective, and the story is engaging from beginning to end. The film's success proved that the Halloween franchise still had a lot to offer. It was a commercial and critical success, proving that there was still an appetite for a well-made Halloween film.

3. Halloween II (1981)

This sequel picks up directly where the original leaves off, making it a solid continuation of the story. Halloween II expands on the lore, revealing the connection between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. The film has some great moments and expands on the mythology established in the first film. The atmosphere is still there, and the sense of dread is palpable, even though it is not as effective as the first film.

Halloween II provides a lot of what fans loved in the original film. It effectively builds upon the foundation laid by the first film, offering more of the same suspense, thrills, and scares. The hospital setting offers a claustrophobic atmosphere that amplifies the terror. The film also features some memorable kills and iconic moments, such as the sequence with the scalpel and the scene where Michael Myers stalks Laurie through the hospital. While it might not reach the heights of the original, it's a worthy sequel that satisfies the craving for more Halloween action. This film is far better than some of the other sequels, and it's a must-watch for any fan of the franchise. It is a great continuation of the story and provides a great sense of closure.

4. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

After the infamous Halloween III: Season of the Witch, which controversially ditched Michael Myers altogether, the franchise wisely brought him back with Halloween 4. This film is a decent entry that brings back the slasher fun. It's a more straightforward slasher film with a decent plot and introduces Jamie Lloyd, Michael's niece. The film capitalizes on the thrill of the chase and features some exciting suspenseful moments. While it doesn't reach the heights of the original or Halloween II, it’s a fun watch, with a decent storyline and memorable scenes.

Halloween 4 is notable for several reasons, including its effective use of suspense and its introduction of Jamie Lloyd, a new important character in the saga. It brings back the essential elements of the Halloween franchise, including the masked killer, the small-town setting, and the classic slasher elements. The film's focus on the chase between Michael Myers and his niece, Jamie, provides a fresh dynamic. The climax is particularly memorable, with its suspenseful ending. The movie is not a masterpiece, but it does a great job of bringing the series back to its roots. This film is a much-needed boost to the franchise after the divisive Halloween III, bringing the series back to its slasher roots.

5. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

Halloween H20 is a decent entry, although it doesn't quite live up to the expectations of fans. It's a direct sequel to Halloween II, ignoring the events of Halloween 4-6. The film brings back Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, who is now living under a different identity. This is a fun slasher film, but it is not the best the franchise has to offer. While it offers some satisfying moments and features a strong performance from Jamie Lee Curtis, the plot has some serious issues. It still provides a nostalgic experience for fans.

Halloween H20 does have its strengths. Jamie Lee Curtis brings a sense of maturity and depth to her portrayal of Laurie. The film effectively captures the suspense and offers a modern take on the classic showdown. This is the first time since the original film where Laurie Strode had a direct confrontation with Michael Myers, which provided great excitement for fans. The movie is a significant improvement over some of the previous sequels, with its focus on character development and a more modern approach to the story. Although, it is still not as good as some of the other installments, it is a decent watch for fans of the series.

6. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

This film is often considered one of the weaker entries in the franchise. It's known for its convoluted plot, involving a cult and a mysterious connection to Michael Myers. While it has its fans, the film's story is messy and difficult to follow. The film tries to add a new layer of depth to the story but fails to do so. It is not a great film, but for hardcore fans, it can be a fun watch.

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers is infamous for its complicated story and the introduction of new mythology to the franchise. The film deviates from the simple premise of the original and attempts to delve into the origins of Michael Myers, which is often criticized. The inclusion of a cult and the exploration of supernatural elements confused the narrative. The movie has a somewhat dark atmosphere and some memorable moments, but these are offset by plot holes and the inconsistent presentation of the story. It is a film with a cult following that is criticized for its convoluted plot, making it less successful than some of the other movies.

7. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

This is where things start to go downhill, folks. Halloween: Resurrection is widely considered one of the worst films in the franchise. The film features a reality show concept where a group of young people spends a night in Michael Myers's childhood home. The film offers very little in terms of suspense or scares. The film is known for its poor writing, uninteresting characters, and overuse of jump scares. This is one of the lowest points of the franchise, and it's hard to recommend it to anyone. It's the kind of film that feels more like a parody of a horror movie.

Halloween: Resurrection is a notorious entry in the Halloween saga, often criticized for its poor writing, weak plot, and the overall concept. The movie is set to cater to the trends of the early 2000s, integrating reality show tropes. The film loses what made the original Halloween series special. The movie introduces a cast of uninteresting characters, as well as an excessive amount of jump scares that undermine the tension. It attempts to capitalize on the slasher formula but does so in a way that feels forced and uninspired. This is an entry that most fans agree to avoid, despite some interesting ideas it presents.

8. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

This film is the black sheep of the Halloween family. Halloween III is a standalone film that has nothing to do with Michael Myers. It's a bold move but not one that paid off. The film is not a bad film, it just is not a Halloween film. It deviates significantly from the slasher formula and features a completely different storyline. This movie is a must-watch for any fan of the series.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch remains a controversial entry in the series, with its departure from the established storyline and the absence of Michael Myers. The film does provide a unique story with its focus on a mysterious company selling Halloween masks. It's a good movie on its own. While the film has a distinct atmosphere and some interesting concepts, its departure from the slasher genre and the absence of Michael Myers disappointed many fans. Despite its shortcomings, the film is celebrated for its originality and cult following.

9. Halloween Kills (2021)

This sequel to Halloween (2018) is a disappointment. While it had potential, the film is a step down from its predecessor. It focuses on the mob mentality of the townsfolk of Haddonfield as they go on the hunt for Michael Myers. The movie is too preoccupied with the action and loses the essence of the original. The plot is weak, and the movie fails to capture the same level of suspense as the original. This film is a misstep that does not serve the franchise well. It is not the worst film of the franchise, but it does not hold up to the standard set by the original.

Halloween Kills tried to capitalize on the success of its predecessor, but the film faced challenges from a narrative perspective. The movie spends too much time on the mob mentality of the citizens of Haddonfield as they hunt Michael Myers, which overshadows the primary narrative. Despite some thrilling scenes and action sequences, the movie loses the essence of the original, and the storyline struggles to maintain viewer interest. It is not a complete failure but falls short of the expectations set by the 2018 installment. The film's focus on excessive violence and its disregard for character development make it a difficult watch for many fans.

10. Halloween Ends (2022)

And finally, we arrive at the supposed grand finale of the Halloween saga (until the next reboot, perhaps?). Halloween Ends is a divisive film that is widely considered a misstep in the franchise. It takes a radically different approach, focusing on a new character, Corey Cunningham, and giving Michael Myers a reduced role. While the film does have some interesting ideas, the execution is flawed, and the movie is far from the best. The plot is confusing, and the movie fails to deliver the thrilling experience that fans expect. The film also suffers from a lack of suspense and scares, making it a disappointment for many.

Halloween Ends faced the challenge of concluding the Halloween saga in a way that satisfies the audience. While the film features some ambitious ideas, the execution falls flat. The movie focuses on a new character and gives Michael Myers a reduced role, which frustrated many fans. The plot is confusing and the film has issues capturing the suspense and scares that the series is known for. The movie's attempt to offer a new perspective on Michael Myers does not resonate, making it a disappointment. The film's narrative choices and the overall lack of scares made it a less-than-satisfying conclusion for many fans.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my ranking of the Halloween films! Remember, this is just one opinion, and the beauty of horror is that it's all subjective. What do you guys think? Agree? Disagree? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! And of course, happy Halloween season!